Of course all celebrations are better on The Island, and this Christmas was no exception. The fact that our lovely indoor pool had lost its heater, didn’t slow us down. It just sent us in a different direction, because we have so many choices on The Island. The family celebrated Christmas day on December 28th, our Matt’s birthday, since he was flying folks over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It made it even more special, because Matt flew so many to their families over the holidays! The tv/fireplace wall was complete, so I actually had a mantle to hang stockings from. The granddaughters both wished for skateboards, which of course they received. Funnily though, after several attempts to master the skateboard, they went back to the reliable scooters. Someone in the family gave Captain Matt a drone (as if he didn’t fly enough during the week:) It was the hands-down favorite of the family. We waved at it, and it followed our commands higher, or sideways, up or down. It’s the simple things.

We had heard that Popeye’s was offering fried turkey for the holidays, but none of the restaurants on the island had gotten that memo. After searching high and low we found one in Friendswood, determined to try something different this Christmas. It was worth every bit of the effort. I don’t think I’ll ever serve turkey any other way from this point forward. I can highly recommend this cajun-style delicacy if you prefer a tender, moist turkey. Ika added a touch of Sweden, with her Christmasy red beet salad. You would think the day would be over, with full tummies and possible football to watch. No way! The Island had too much going on to miss it couch sitting.

Pleasure Pier is never far from the minds of the grandangels. If you squint, you can see the bright lights reflecting on the gulf from Diamond Beach. Another extravaganza provided by our own home-grown billionaire, Tillman Fertitta. You can’t argue with success, and so much of the island’s amusement has been created by Tillman. Bo rode the carousel for the first time, and he will be clamoring for more next trip, no doubt. As the sky darkened, the girls’ thoughts turned to the Festival of Lights and Iceland, which are now a family tradition. We were not disappointed. The Iceland exhibit was a creation of international scenes, including an off the planet astronaut rendition. We all left the 9 degree tent with red noses and freezing hands, but so worth it.

Bo had never experienced the Aquarium Pyramid, so of course that was the next stop. Aquariums of any size and type have always fascinated him, so you can imagine his amazement at this huge display of so many varieties of fish. I can’t wait until he’s old enough to fully appreciate the petting tanks. It was enough for now to just stare into these underwater scenes, following the seals, penguins, sharks, and stingrays with his eyes. I think he may be my little budding marine biologist:)

To top it all off, we couldn’t resist our favorite family Sunday brunch at the Brickhouse. Christmas is not for the dieters. We can “go on rabbit food” next week:) Joined by one of Matt’s best friends from Clear Lake, Shane, his wife Courtney, and their new little Ada, made our Sunday morning special. Bo sure enjoyed sitting next to Ada. A future romance? You never can tell!

Now all is quiet in the condo. There is plenty of dishwashing, and cleanup to do; but for now I’m just reviewing the memories of this very special Christmas. How blessed we all are to live in this great country, with so many rich traditions and natural beauty to share. As I sit contemplating the last few days, I feel enormous gratitude for the blessing this celebration has been. It’s time to watch my favorite Star Trek marathon on the new OLED TV. It never looked this good!